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Jun 20, 20261
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England leads Group L after dominant victory over Croatia at World Cup 2026
England defeated Croatia 4-0 in their opening World Cup match, with Harry Kane scoring twice to lead Thomas Tuchel's side to the top of Group L. Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in a shock result, while Ghana drew with Panama and Colombia beat Uzbekistan in other Group L action.


Quick Facts
Who
England
What
England defeated Croatia in World Cup Group L
When
Second week of World Cup 2026
Where
World Cup 2026
- England defeated Croatia in World Cup Group L
- Harry Kane scored two goals
- Ghana equalized against Panama in 95th minute
- Colombia defeated Uzbekistan
- Portugal drew with DR Congo
England got off to a winning start at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Croatia in Group L, establishing themselves at the top of the group. Manager Thomas Tuchel's side delivered an impressive performance, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford each adding a goal. Following the match, Tuchel praised his team's aggressive approach, explaining that he had instructed his players at halftime to take risks and be courageous in their pursuit of victory.
The England match was the standout result in a busy round of Group L fixtures. Ghana secured a dramatic late equalizer through Caleb Yirenkyi in the 95th minute against Panama, leaving both teams level on points with England. Colombia cruised past Uzbekistan 3-1 with goals from Daniel Muñoz, Luis Díaz and Jáminton Campaz, claiming three points in the group.
Elsewhere at the tournament, Portugal stumbled in an unexpected 1-1 draw with DR Congo. João Neves gave Roberto Martinez's side an early lead with a header in the sixth minute, but Portugal failed to build on the advantage. DR Congo earned their deserved equalizer through Yoane Wissa just before halftime, denying Portugal what would have been a straightforward victory. The result meant that Cristiano Ronaldo remained goalless in the opening round, unable to match the scoring feats of other global superstars competing at the tournament.
Why This Matters
England's dominant opening establishes them as serious contenders in World Cup 2026, with their commanding 4-0 victory and star-laden lineup sending a message to rival nations. The shocking results elsewhere in Group L—Portugal's draw and Ghana's late equalizer—create unpredictable group dynamics that could reshape qualification odds and influence how teams approach remaining matches.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireEngland defeats Croatia 4-0 in World Cup Group L (Harry Kane scores twice, Bellingham and Rashford add goals)
Jun 18, 2026
WireJoão Neves scores for Portugal against DR Congo in 6th minute
Jun 18, 2026
WireYoane Wissa equalizes for DR Congo at halftime
Jun 18, 2026
WireColombia defeats Uzbekistan 3-1 with goals from Muñoz, Díaz, and Campaz
Jun 18, 2026
WireCaleb Yirenkyi scores in 95th minute to equalize Ghana vs Panama
Entities
- Ghana national football team
- England national football team
- Croatia national football team
- Harry Kane
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Marcus Rashford
- Portugal national football team
- Colombia national football team
- Thomas Tuchel
- Uzbekistan national football team
- DR Congo national football team
- Panama national football team
- Roberto Martinez
- Jude Bellingham
- Caleb Yirenkyi